Duplicate Block Name Nightmare - AutoCAD Block inserts with mystery entities

This block snafu question was submitted to us by a busy CAD operator who was driven nuts by unwanted entities which mysteriously inserted with his titleblocks. It is a useful example of how not to setup office blocks.

1. Two titleblocks are created with 2 different names. The border is a another block inside each titleblock.

The 8.5x11 border block in the 8.5x11 titleblock has the same name (TB_BORDER) as the 11x17 border block (TB_BORDER) in the 11x17 titleblock.

2. The 11x17 title block looks fine. There is no sign of other block entities in the drawing. We don't see an addtional 8.5x11 border in this drawing.

3. If the 11x17 Title block is inserted into a drawing in which the definition of the 8.5x11 border block already exists we see an unwanted block entity - the 8.5x11 border. Note that the 11x17 border block was not pulled up by the drawing. The existing definition was used. This results in a corrupted title block. The end user may be clueless as to the cause.

4. To fix. Rename the internal TB_BORDER block. You can use the RENAME command without exploding the blocks.

5. If you need a fast temporary fix, attach the TitleBlock as an XREF .

Best Practices: Keep block names distinctive, descriptive and different for each entity in your block library. This includes blocks you are using to build other blocks.

Looking for an Online Fax Service? - We Recommend GotVMail

We really like GotVMail's Online Toll-Free Fax Service. Client's who need to share drawings with us can easily fax in their plans.

GotVMail's TIFFServer interface gives us the ability to mark-up our incoming faxes and save them to PDF or JPG.

The dashboard features include: Convert to PDF, Scroll pages, Fit, Zoom, Format, Add a Sticky Note, Add text, Highlight, Add an arrow, Stamp. The Stamp cursor menu, shown in the screen shot below, provides a selection of messages to choose from.

Although GotVMail's 800 numbers can double as a fax line we don't recommend this for anyone who relies on their fax. Clients complained that transmission was intermittant when they faxed to our Gotvmail 800 number. Adding a dedicated GotVMail fax line solved the problem.

GotVMail's technical support team is responsive and available via phone or email. They can customize your setup.


Visit GotVMail.com for more information.

AutoCAD to TurboCAD - Fix Corrupted Text Glitch

TurboCAD 8 corrupted some of our dimensions in an imported AutoCAD DWG file with romans.shx/MTEXT. Note that the Diameter symbols (created with %%c) are huge. TurboCAD also rotated the correctly placed AutoCAD dimensions and moved them off to the right.

Inside AutoCAD, we exploded the MTEXT in our Dimensions. Our client reported that this did the trick when he pulled the revised DWG into TurboCAD.

PDF2WORD v3.0 - Works like a charm! - Convert PDF to Word for FREE

This little app is a miracle worker. It downloads and installs quickly with no glitches. A dialog box will ask you to register but hit the Try button and go to the File menu. Pull up your PDF and convert. You will be given 99 free tries. Warning: Opening the application counts as a try even if you don't actually convert a file.

The verypdf.com web site states that the letter S will be inserted randomly into your Doc by the trial version. We could not find any additional letters in our test run.

The test app will only convert docs with 5 pages or less. In order to convert larger PDF files you will have to purchase the software. We think the purchase price of $39.95 is worth it!

Our PDF came out formatted correctly in Word. We noted that our Word.doc's font did not match that of the original PDF. The font defaulted to Times New Roman in Word. Our images converted correctly.

Get your PDF2Word 3.0 here:

Recommended for CADD + Technical Training - American River College, Sacramento, CA

Employers and Career Counselors recommend Indian River College in Sacramento, CA. They say that Indian River's Technology graduates can hit the ground running.

These Indian River programs include CADD + technical training.

CAD classes can be taken up to 4 times using different software releases!

CADD - Drafting & Design Technology
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Design-Technology-DESGN.htm

CADD - Engineering Technology
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Engineering-ENGR.htm

DIGITAL - Art New Media
http://www.losrios.edu/class_schedules_reader.php?loc=arc/fall/Art-New-Media-ARTNM.htm

Helpful Staff are available at the college to answer your questions, via phone.

American River College - Sacramento
4700 College Oak Dr
Sacramento, CA 95841-4286
Phone General: (916) 484-8011
Admissions: (916) 484-8261
Financial aid: (916) 484-8437

http://www.arc.losrios.edu/

Tips on How to Convert 2D AutoCAD DWG to 3D in Chief Architect

Chief X1 is compatible with AutoCAD 2008 DXF format.

The New CAD to Walls feature improves 2D to 3D Conversion inside Chief Architect.

Tips on how to convert 2D AutoCAD drawings to 3D in Chief Architect

1. Trace over the imported 2D AutoCAD file using CAD snaps and dims. Chief Architect can then build the 3D model.

2. Use the improved CAD to Walls feature in X1

Tip: Layer granularity in the AutoCAD drawing will help. Make sure all entities are on a dedicated layer in AutoCAD, i.e. walls, windows, doors etc. Chief Architect can then recognize them and build the model. Coordinate the layers you will need with your AutoCAD client before they get started, if possible.

It is also possible to import your DWG as an AutoCAD 3D file.

We recommend that you download a trial version of Chief Architect to test compatibility issues with AutoCAD files. It is not possible to plot in the trial version.

Chief Architect's sales team is informative and available via the phone. Call 1-208-664-4204 for more information.

ADDENDUM: 1/30/08 - How does Chief Architect rate? - Hail to the Chief!

http://aec.cadalyst.com/aec/Column:+AEC+Insight/BIM-Goes-Residential-AEC-Insight-Column/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/526899

GIS jokes - Get your T-Shirt Here!

GIS jokes on T-shirts! Add spice to your work wardrobe.

http://www.gisnuts.com/

How to Extract RAR "Zip" Files for Free

Occasionally, people send us AutoCAD Drawings compressed in RAR archived files.

We finally installed 7ZIPFREE and are glad we did. Download your copy at 7-zip.org

Not only does this handy free utility open and extract RAR files, it gives us an alternative with more options & control than the standard Zip function in Windows.

By right clicking any Zip file and choosing Z-Zip from the Curser Menu we can select from choices like: Zip to Email, Extract to a specific directory, Use 7Z or Zip.

Unlike the Windows Zip utility, 7Zip allows you to monitor where your extracted files will end up. A dialog box pops up with selections such as Ask Before Overwrite and Password Entry.

7Z does not create RAR files. If you want to create RAR, find out about WinRAR

Looking for a Free & Easy to Use FTP Client? Try Filezilla!

Filezilla is a free FTP client which is easy to use and configure.

Features we like:
Filezilla updates by automatically uninstalling its outdated version before installing the current upgrade.

FTP addresses can be loaded and stored in the Quickconnect bar at the top of the user interface or configured in Site Manager.

Tiered interface allows simultanious view of File Directory Structure, Sub-Directories and Active Processes.

Status bar shows visual progress of uploads or downloads.

File Attributes are easily managed by right clicking on your ftp directory folders

Tech support and interesting browsing is available at:Filezilla Forums

Download Filezilla

Windows File Rename Nirvana - Bulk Rename Utility

We highly recommend the Bulk Rename Utility by Jim Wilshire. It takes the drudgery out of renaming large quantities of files in Windows. Complicated file names are handled with ease!

This application is a breeze to download, and install. The Windows Explorer Interface is easy to navigate. A dashboard allows users to sort files by Match Expression, Find & Replace, Add Prefix, Add Suffix etc. Rename options range from simple to complex.

When you select the file to rename, it is possible to view your file's new name, in a Rename Column so glitches can be corrected in advance. The Undo command is a life saver.

Addendum - added on 5/21/08: If your project involves complex naming configurations, it is possible to save your settings in a "BRU" config file for later use. Hit the File Menu and go to Save.

Download your copy at:

BulkRenameUtlity.co.uk